Pollard’s message to Papier on the secret to force a Bok recall
Handré Pollard has thrown his support behind in-form scrumhalf Embrose Papier, insisting the dynamic No.9 is doing everything required to push for higher honours without overthinking Springbok selection.
The Bulls are currently preparing for their United Rugby Championship Round 15 game against the Dragons that takes place at the Rodney Parade in Newport, South Wales, on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Pollard praised Papier’s impact and consistency, describing him as a key figure in the side’s performances this season. While speculation continues around a potential call-up to the Bok team, the World Cup-winning flyhalf made it clear that Papier’s focus should be on working hard and performing at his best week after week.
Pollard emphasised that selection ultimately rests with the national coaches, but suggested Papier’s current trajectory leaves him firmly in the conversation, provided he maintains his high standards and continues to drive the Bulls forward.
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This will enhance his case for a return to the Springboks and should make him increasingly difficult to ignore. The electric scrumhalf has been central to the Bulls’ campaign, with his crisp service and attacking instincts dovetailing seamlessly with his Springbok halfback partner at a crucial stage of the season.
The ‘Papier Effect’
The scrumhalf made his Springbok debut on June 2, 2018, against Wales in Washington DC at the age of 21, coming off the bench in a 20-22 loss. He has seven Springbok caps and played his last Test on November 24, 2018, against Wales in Cardiff.
Papier’s influence at the Bulls goes beyond individual accolades. Even as he racks up Player of the Match performances, his true value is best illustrated by his absence. The Bulls’ defeat to the Stormers earlier this month – when Papier was unavailable – highlighted just how much his energy and tempo drive the side.
His return immediately restored that attacking spark and control.
Yet despite consistent excellence, national recognition has remained elusive. Competition at scrumhalf is fierce, with the likes of Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, and Morné van den Berg all in the mix, while rising talent Haashim Pead has also entered the conversation.
With Faf de Klerk and Herschel Jantjies still hovering on the fringes, Papier’s path back may be crowded, but on current form, it’s one he is steadily forcing open.
“I can’t give Emmie [Embrose Papier] any advice; he just needs to keep on playing the way he is. He is playing incredible rugby, and he is a very important player in our team,” Pollard told reporters from the Bulls’ base in Toulon ahead of their clash against the Dragons this weekend.
“Emmie must just keep on doing what he is doing. The Boks are the Boks. It is not in any of our hands. They will pick who they want and think are the right guys.
“He must do his thing and keep on working hard, just like the rest of us. Those things are out of our control,” Pollard stated, and added, “For now, the Bulls need Emmie to be at his best, and that is what he is doing. So hopefully he can take it to the next level and keep on playing the way he is playing.”
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